Communication strategies for the 21st century by Metzger's New Media Practice Director.

Do You Speak MySpace?

From the straightforward to the obscure to the truly bizarre -- the MySpace Generation is influencing it all.

In a recent article in Forbes, Rachel Rosmarin discusses the many aspects of what she calls "The MySpace Economy". There are a host of MySpace spin-off companies, websites and services popping up with everything from enhanced MySpace profiles to direct email campaigns to tee-shirts for sale. And they are often resulting in major money for the creators.

The one thing we can be sure of is the wide spread impact that the MySpace community is having not only on society, but on businesses as well. As the communication channels change with each generation, it is imperative for businesses of every size to learn how to communicate with their new customers. The reality is that today's teenagers will be entering the workforce over the next several years. When they do, they will bring with them a communication style that they are developing right now -- one based on technology, instant access to information and geographic dispersion. So if you future cast, wouldn't it be prudent to start learning now how to communicate with the business leaders of tomorrow?

Besides, it is not just about preparing yourself to communicate with tomorrow's employees and leaders because in the mean time they (teens and tweens) control or influence a sizeable portion of money in America. Getting the attention of the MySpace generation now may just mean sales now and loyal employees and leaders later.